Area wrestlers?open state?competition

Saturday

Feb 23, 2013 at 12:01 AMFeb 23, 2013 at 12:01 AM

By Mark Schnabel?Newton Kansan

HAYS — Two area wrestlers reached the semifinals of the Class 3-2-1A state wrestling tournament after finishing 2-0 Friday at Bush-Gross Coliseum in Hays.?At 152 pounds, Halstead’s Alex Thibault opened his day with a 12-3 major decision over Lucas McMichael of Central of Burden. In the quarterfinals, Thibault downed Gage Younger of Ellis 6-2 to advance to today’s semifinals.?Halstead’s Ethan Hertzler finished 0-2, losing by fall to Alex Cavanaugh of Silver Lake by fall and to J.T. Ellis of Wellsville by major decision. Hertlzer finishes the season 13-15.?Sedgwick’s Nic Johnson opened the day at 145 pounds with a first-period pin over Garrett Dunlap of Doniphan West. In the quarterfinals, Johnson punched his ticket to the semifinals with a first-period pin over Brandon Schoenthaler of Trego Community.?In the Class 4A competition at Salina, Hesston’s Mason Schweitzer finished 0-2. In the first round, Schweizter was pinned by Brendon Chrisjohn of Osawatomie in 3:11. In the first consolation round, Schweitzer dropped a 7-4 decision to Nate Holloman of Jefferson West.?Schweitzer ends the season 24-12.